Detroit, Michigan – Air Quality Shows Improvement, But Wildfire Smoke May Return

Detroit’s air quality has shown signs of improvement after several days of being affected by heavy smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires. State officials are optimistic about a temporary reduction in smoke levels over the weekend; however, forecasts indicate a potential resurgence of poor air quality early next week due to persistent wildfire activity across Canada.

The Air Quality Advisory, which has affected several counties in southern Michigan, including Metro Detroit, is set to expire at midnight on Friday. This advisory was necessary due to elevated PM2.5 levels, which reached about 170 in Detroit by Friday evening, placing it within the “unhealthy” range of 150-200. As a result, Detroit was reported to have the worst air quality among major global cities, surpassing cities like Delhi, Toronto, and Montreal.

As of Friday morning, the heavy smoke, which has made the air in parts of Michigan hazy gray-brown and unhealthy for sensitive populations, had cleared mostly from the state. The exception was southernmost areas, where smoke lingered longer due to a cold front over central Ohio obstructing its full exit. Nevertheless, air quality across Michigan is expected to improve, with PM2.5 levels predicted to drop into the moderate range (50-100) on Saturday.

Current Air Quality Conditions

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has indicated that no additional advisories are anticipated over the weekend based on current smoke models. Certain northern areas of Michigan have already experienced improved air quality, which has allowed for the lifting of advisories in those regions. However, residents, particularly those with respiratory issues or heart and lung diseases, are advised to limit outdoor activities and stay indoors whenever possible. It is crucial for these sensitive groups to monitor their symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness, particularly when air quality diminishes.

Canadian Wildfires Continue to Impact Air Quality

The potential for air quality to worsen in Michigan again stems from the ongoing series of wildfires in Canada. At present, there are 211 active wildfires across the country, with 104 classified as “out of control.” The greatest number of fires can be found in British Columbia (69 fires) and Alberta (56), alongside notable activity in Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. This situation has resulted in significant displacement, with approximately 19,000 individuals in Manitoba and up to 15,000 in Saskatchewan forced to evacuate their homes.

Canada’s wildfire season typically spans from May to September, and this year has proven to be one of the worst on record, with extensive fires recorded throughout the summer months.

Staying Informed and Safe

Residents are urged to stay informed about current air quality conditions through tools such as the MiAir Quality Index and AirNow. EGLE provides updates and offers air quality alerts to help residents protect their health. In light of potential smoke resurgences, an upcoming weather system could draw additional smoke into Michigan later in the weekend.

For enhanced safety during periods of poor air quality, experts recommend using air conditioning with high-rate filters, closing windows, and minimizing outdoor activities. Members of the community are encouraged to practice these guidelines to reduce health risks associated with air pollution from wildfires.